BBC to review Barrymore book

The BBC said today it was set to review a decision to publish an autobiography of the entertainer Michael Barrymore, which will include a chapter on how a partygoer was found floating in his swimming pool.

The corporation has been criticised about plans to go ahead with the "warts and all" expose of the 50-year-old's personal and public life, after potentially damaging claims were aired last week.

An inquest in Epping heard allegations that the My Kind Of Music and Strike It Lucky host gave Stuart Lubbock cocaine, just hours before he was found in the pool on March 31 last year.

Post-mortem examinations revealed high levels of

alcohol and drugs, including cocaine and Ecstasy, in the 31-year-old's system as well as injuries which may have resulted from a serious sexual assault.

An open verdict was recorded after experts could not agree on the exact cause of death and witnesses at the "impromptu" party at the star's home in Roydon, Essex, failed to shed any light on what happened.

The BBC initially stressed that the book, which is called Running Away From Myself and is set to go on sale in October, would not contain any details that had not already been aired to the coroner and police.

But it is understood that bosses at publishers BBC Worldwide, who commissioned the book in an estimated £500,000 deal in September 2000, did not anticipate the widespread criticism.

A BBC spokesman said: "BBC Worldwide said today that it will review the calls to publish Michael Barrymore's autobiography, Running Away From Myself.

"The review will take place this week as soon as Rupert Gain, chief executive of BBC Worldwide, has returned from the USA where he is currently on business."

Asked if it was possible the book may be shelved, a BBC source said: "It's possible or it might go ahead as planned. They'll take a couple of days to take stock. It will be interesting."

During the inquest, Barrymore was criticised for not answering questions about the cocaine allegations and for leaving the scene as paramedics battled in vain to save Mr Lubbock's life.